Bible-Study

Scripture References Exodus 3:13-14 John 8:58-59 John 6:35 John 6:47-51 Matthew 6:33 Introduction New spring series: the seven “I AM” statements in John, running through Easter. Leader: Caleb. Ice-breaker: each man completed “I am ___” (e.g., “cool dude,” “loved,” “so grateful,” “duck-hunter,” etc.). Purpose: last summer’s seven signs revealed Jesus’ divinity; the seven “I AMs” show how that divinity meets human need. Key Points / Exposition 1. Cultural Longing Quotes and songs that capture restless desire: “To thine own self be true” (Hamlet), “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” (Rolling Stones), “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (U2), “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (Green Day), Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” Observation: society keeps admitting, “I’m not content.” 2. Humanity’s Contingency Every personal “I am” statement is dependent on something outside ourselves (success, ducks, candy, etc.). Question raised: “Are we contingent beings?” Consensus: yes – ultimately dependent on God. 3. God’s Self-Disclosure (Exodus 3:13-14) Moses asks God’s name; God replies, “I AM WHO I AM.” “I AM” (YHWH) is simultaneously complete and open-ended: God is self-existent, the answer to every “Are you…?” question. 4. Jesus’ Claim (John 8:58-59) Jesus: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Pharisees attempt to stone Him because He unequivocally claims deity. 5. First “I AM” – Bread of Life (John 6:35, 47-51) “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Contrast with manna: ancestors ate and died; Christ offers eternal life. Jesus is not offering symbolic motivation but true, self-sustaining nourishment. 6. Testimony (Jason) Years spent chasing money, status, and especially pornography. Hidden sin wrecked marriage; confession led him to Christ, recovery ministry, genuine relationship with God. Illustration: any vice can replace pornography in his story – the need and the remedy are identical. Major Lessons & Revelations “I AM” (YHWH): a deliberate, self-referential, circular expression affirming God’s eternal, self-sufficient being. Jesus as fulfillment: each “I AM” in John answers Israel’s wilderness needs (bread, light, shepherd, etc.). Bread motif: physical bread gives temporary energy; Christ supplies eternal life. Matthew 6:33 connects longing and priority: seeking God first aligns all other needs. “The problem is not that we want too much; the problem is that we settle for too little.” Practical Application Identify “what you’re currently feasting on that leaves you starving.” Action step from John 6:35 – “Whoever comes to me…”: Turn away (repent) from the empty source. Come to Jesus daily in Word, prayer, and dependence. Replace isolation with community: confess to trusted brothers and invite accountability. Seek first His kingdom (Matthew 6:33); allow God to reorder lesser desires. Group discussion: participants named cultural “indulgences” (food, alcohol, status, possessions, etc.) – most admitted never fully experiencing satisfaction apart from brief glimpses. Practical brainstorm: confession, surrender, repentance, Scripture intake, godly community, accountability groups (e.g., Regen). Conclusion & Call to Response Jesus is the only “I AM” who fully satisfies; every other identity anchor is contingent and will eventually fail. The spring series will trace each “I AM” statement through to Easter, showing how Christ meets every dimension of human need. Prayer Freedom from addictive indulgences (pornography, materialism, etc.). Deeper hunger for Christ as true bread. Courage for honest confession and sustained repentance among group members. References & Resources Seven “I AM” statements series in the Gospel of John Regeneration (Regen) recovery ministry Insights Because Jesus is the timeless I AM, He alone defines life, value and you; no other voice has the authority to tell you who you are, so rest your identity in His name. Every playlist and purchase shouts that we are hungry, yet only Christ whispers satisfaction; the Bread of Life fills the ache consumer culture keeps exposing, leaving hearts nourished instead of endlessly craving. Jesus invites weary strivers to trade circular tail-chasing for communion, promising, ‘Whoever comes to Me will never hunger or thirst again’; approach Him today and discover rest that performance can’t deliver. Confession turns us from empty man-made delicacies to a feast of grace; when we come away from sin and toward Jesus, our starving souls finally taste real life and learn freedom’s flavor. We are fragile, contingent breaths, but He is self-existent, needing nothing; leaning on the One who cannot fail transforms dependence from weakness into worship and lifts us above every shifting circumstance. The tragedy of sin is not wanting too much but settling for crumbs; Christ spreads an eternal table where holy abundance replaces the glazed-croissant crash of worldly pleasure, inviting us to feast deeply.

Scripture References Luke 15:1-7 Introduction The leader opened with real-life examples of “acceptable loss”–a 2% inventory shrinkage in his retail business, underperforming investments, parental advice that “goes in one ear and out the other,” errant golf shots, jokes that fall flat, and time that slips away. He asked: Where do you personally allow loss? At what point does a loss stop bothering you? Group members suggested thresholds based on profit margins, emotional investment, or right intentions, but admitted the standards are usually arbitrary. ...

Scripture References Luke 19:11-27 Introduction The group listened to the same passage that was preached in Sunday service and revisited it for deeper discussion. Conversation opened with a light-hearted “button” exercise about risk versus guarantee, which served as a bridge into Jesus’ parable on stewardship, trust, and faithfulness while the Kingdom is “delayed but not denied.” Key Points Super Bowl gathering: host’s home opens 3 PM; finger foods encouraged; worship & prayer will replace the NFL halftime show; spouses welcome; host will ask guests to leave when the evening winds down. Future social: crawfish boil planned “in about a month,” weather permitting. Poll: Half the room chose the guaranteed $1 million; half chose the 50/50 chance at $100 million. Reasons centered on risk tolerance, contentment, and potential impact on others. Financial preparation sidebar: examples of wills, insurance, and saving for family. Theological / Exegetical Points Audience context (v. 11): Jesus corrects the belief that the Kingdom would appear immediately; the parable stresses a long-view faithfulness. Characters: Nobleman/King = Christ. Servants = believers entrusted with resources. Subjects who hated him = the world in rebellion. “Put this money to work” (v. 13): a call to active stewardship, not preservation. Reward mismatch: faithful servants receive “cities,” showing God often rewards with larger responsibilities, not merely more of the same resource. Unused gifts removed (v. 26): a principle that dormant talents, time, or treasure are eventually forfeited. Misreading the Master: the fearful servant misjudged the king’s character; misunderstanding God leads to paralysing disobedience. Interaction & Group Responses Risk exercise provoked lively debate; several cited “mathematical advantage,” others cited “contentment” or desire to “give more away.” Stewardship discussion: Participants agreed the parable applies to money, talents, time, spiritual gifts. Testimonies of tithing: one couple shared that consistent giving, even when maths “didn’t math,” led to unexpected provision (e.g., immediate $8 K fence job). Observation: churches gauge leaders’ maturity partly through consistent giving and service. Reflection on fear: the third servant’s excuse mirrored modern reluctance to give or serve; class noted that deeper relationship with God dissolves fear. Quote captured: “A misunderstanding of God produces paralysed disobedience.” Practical Applications Evaluate personal stewardship: if Christ returned today, what “ROI” would you present–financially, relationally, and in spiritual impact? Strengthen relationship with the “Resourcer” (prayer, Word, community) to increase trust and obedience. Tithe faithfully; view it as untethering the heart from money, not a mere financial transaction. Identify dormant gifts or resources and put them to work for Kingdom purposes. Plan for family and legacy (wills, insurance, savings) as part of wise stewardship. Prayer / Intercession Items Group members facing unnamed hurts and needs (mentioned on GroupMe). Courage to invest time, talents, and treasure rather than “wrapping them in a cloth.” Fruitful outreach opportunities stemming from upcoming social gatherings. Next Meeting / Future Arrangements Super Bowl fellowship: tomorrow, 3 PM at host’s home; worship & intercession during halftime. Crawfish boil slated for next month once the lawn greens up; details forthcoming. Insights Jesus has placed resources, time and talents in our hands, inviting us to trade them for eternal gain; faithful stewardship today will echo as cities of influence in His coming Kingdom. Every step of courageous obedience is a wager on God’s character, and He never loses the battles we trust into His hands; our risk becomes the seed of supernatural return. When we assume the Father is harsh we bury our gifts, but knowing His grace unlocks creative, joyful multiplication for His glory, freeing us from the paralysis of fear. The Kingdom may feel delayed, yet Jesus calls us to ‘do business’ until He returns; every prayer, dollar and hour offered now prepares the celebration that lasts forever. Tithing is not God taking from us but God training us; open hands become channels where heaven’s provision can keep flowing, turning shrinking budgets into stories of worship and wonder. Turning off the halftime noise to sing and pray together reminds the heart that one moment in the Spirit’s presence outweighs every spectacle the world can offer.

Gathering Information Leader: Charles (teaching); Mark (will lead closing prayer) Time note: Charles needed to leave by 6:20 p.m. for the opening of “Rooted.” Scripture References Luke 22:24–30 Introduction Opening reminder that the 10-week “Rooted” discipleship course begins tonight; next session begins in ~18 weeks. Session aim: expose our default instinct to protect personal status and contrast it with Jesus’ call to humble service. Warm-up: rapid-fire everyday scenarios (potluck line, last slice of pizza, four-way stop, credit for work, etc.) to surface personal instincts. Key Points Human Instinct vs. Kingdom Posture Most of us naturally guard our place (“If you ain’t first, you’re last”). Jesus redefines greatness by servanthood, not status. Context of Luke 22: Conversation occurs during the Last Supper, right after Jesus announces His betrayal and institutes Communion. Disciples still argue over who is greatest, revealing deep-seated worldly thinking. Jesus’ Teaching (vv. 25-27): Earthly rulers wield power and call themselves “benefactors.” “It is not this way with you.” Greatness = becoming “the youngest” and “the one who serves.” Jesus models it: “I am among you as the one who serves.” Future Honor (vv. 28-30): Faithfulness in trials will be rewarded with seats at Jesus’ table and authority in the coming Kingdom. Present obedience is never wasted; reward is relational, not rivalrous. Rewiring Our Definition of Success Greatness measured by posture, not position. Actions change only after mindset and identity change. Theological / Exegetical Points “Benefactors” (v. 25): leaders who style themselves as public benefactors while actually exercising control. Youngest/servant imagery: those with no social leverage, authority, or claim to honor. Servanthood encapsulates Jesus’ entire mission; no one forced Him—He chose it. Faithfulness, endurance, and hidden obedience carry eternal significance; self-promotion does not. Interaction & Group Responses Potluck line: some wait, others “break the ice.” Last slice of pizza: most defer; one joyfully takes it. Four-way stop: varying tactics from cautious observation to “never stopping.” Taking credit: several would stay silent; one would confide in his wife. Meeting disagreement: mixed—press the point vs. let it go. Discussion revealed universal pull toward recognition, respect, and hierarchy. Story from Anthony: serving family while grumbling; Holy Spirit reminds him to “do it as unto the Lord,” bringing immediate peace. Respect vs. authenticity debate: genuine challenge from brothers is a form of respect. Practical Applications Examine personal “status-protecting” reflexes revealed in everyday choices. Adopt Jesus’ strategy: pursue hidden, voluntary service; elevate others. Write down one concrete next step in phone (exercise done in class). Possibilities: Join a service team (classroom, church, community). Begin “Rooted,” Next-Step class, fasting, Bible reading plan, recovery ministry. Reconcile a relationship; practice sacrificial giving; consider baptism or salvation decision. Evaluate gifting overlap (natural talents + spiritual gifts) to locate best place of service. Remember: seeking status never satisfies; servanthood brings freedom and lasting honor. Next Meeting / Future Arrangements Next week: Josh will teach; Mark will follow with a session on giving. “Rooted” runs for 10 weeks; new round begins in about 18 weeks for those wait-listed. Insights When Jesus picked up the towel at the Last Supper, He rewrote greatness; the King became the servant so we could trade our craving for status for the joy of humble love. Your hidden acts of kindness are never wasted; the Father sees in secret, and He turns unseen faithfulness into eternal honor that outshines every podium, title, or applause this passing world offers. The Spirit unhooks our hearts from the ladder of self-promotion, whispering that greatness is measured by posture, not position; choose the lower seat and watch His power lift others through you. Because Christ stooped to wash dusty feet, we are free to leave entitlement behind and serve; freedom flows from surrender, not status, and the Kingdom blooms wherever humble hands meet hidden needs. If Jesus can entrust thrones to disciples who bickered over rank, He can redeem our misdirected ambition; faithfulness today shapes eternal influence tomorrow, so persevere in unseen service and let Heaven keep score. Stop refreshing your social feed for validation; look at the cross where the Son of God took last place and hear Him invite you to the only table where servants become sons forever.

Scripture References Luke 4:1-13 Exodus 16:2-3 Exodus 17:2-4, 7 Exodus 32 (Golden Calf episode) Introduction Ice-breaker on favorite fast-food chains (Whataburger, Burger King, Portillo’s, Raising Canes, In-N-Out, Steak ’n Shake, etc.) highlighted convenience, taste, speed, and affordability—setting up the contrast between quick satisfaction and long-term health. Theme: believers often feed on “spiritual fast food.” Luke 4 shows Jesus choosing the harder, healthier way of trust, obedience, and submission in the wilderness immediately after His baptism. Key Points 1. Spirit-Led Wilderness Jesus, “full of the Holy Spirit,” is led—not driven—into the desert before any public miracle or disciple-making. Group insight: God often “qualifies the called” by testing first; the wilderness can cleanse past baggage and prepare future ministry. 2. Welcoming vs. Avoiding Testing Mixed responses: some ask God for growth through hardship; others admit avoiding it unless they “know they’ll pass.” Consensus: testing exposes reliance on the Father and strips self-reliance. 3. Forty Days & Forty Years – Typology Jesus’ 40-day fast mirrors Israel’s 40-year wandering; where Israel failed, Jesus succeeds. Second-Adam motif: Adam fell in a perfect garden; Jesus triumphed in a barren desert. 4. The Three Temptations Reframed A. Stone to Bread – TRUST Satan’s subtext: “If you’re God’s Son, why suffer?” Parallel: Israel’s grumbling over manna (Ex 16). Our struggle: comfort without trust—sacrificing discipline, courage, meaningful suffering. B. Kingdoms & Glory – OBEDIENCE Subtext: “If you’re God’s Son, why aren’t you important?” Parallel: Golden Calf (Ex 32) when Israel sought visibility and approval. Our struggle: approval without obedience—choosing visibility over value, brand over character, credit over cost. C. Temple Pinnacle – SUBMISSION Subtext: “If you’re God’s Son, where is God now?” Parallel: Meribah (Ex 17) – “Is the Lord among us or not?” Our struggle: control without submission—clinging to security, manipulating outcomes. 5. Identity Check Exercise: “What would others say is my one-sentence identity?” Desired identity: unmistakable follower of Jesus, not merely “nice,” “reliable,” or “stubborn.” 6. Satan’s Return (Luke 4:13) The enemy withdraws only “until an opportune time.” Vigilance and continual filling of the Spirit are essential. Theological / Exegetical Points Holy Spirit’s leading affirms that hardship can be divine appointment, not divine absence. Trust-Obedience-Submission correspond to “lust of flesh, eyes, pride of life” yet offer a clearer discipleship framework. Comfort, approval, and control are modern idols echoing ancient Israel’s failures. Interaction & Group Responses Show of hands: every man has experienced or is in a “wilderness.” Honest admissions of craving control; those who didn’t raise hands about control admitted to “struggling with lying” (humorous moment). Personal examples: fasting as spiritual detox; Starbucks/coffee-shop practice of phone-free awareness felt awkward yet revealing. Plug for mutual accountability: Monday 8:30 p.m. men’s group at Joe Willie’s (“kings of empathy—no excuses”). Practical Applications Replace “spiritual fast food” with a steady diet of Scripture, prayer, fasting, and Christian community. Embrace meaningful suffering; do not numb pain at the cost of significance. Identify and dismantle personal “golden calves” (comfort, visibility, control). Pursue identity in Christ first—let others see love for Jesus before any hobby or role. Engage beyond weekend worship: Next Step, Rooted, Regeneration, Night of Prayer & Worship, men’s breakfasts, Monday Joe Willie’s group. Next Meeting / Future Arrangements Open invitation: Men’s accountability group, Mondays 8:30 p.m., Joe Willie’s (Three Ave.). Regular Saturday evening men’s study continues; details shared in the group thread. Insights Like Jesus leaving the Jordan, you can step into your desert knowing the Spirit walks ahead, turning every barren mile into holy preparation for the mission God designed for you. Fast-food faith feels convenient, but only Scripture nourishes; man truly lives when God’s Word replaces drive-through distractions and fills the heart with lasting strength. The wilderness exposes our craving for control, yet Jesus teaches surrender; freedom blooms when obedience outweighs comfort and we trust the Father with tomorrow’s unknowns. Satan tempts us with applause, but Christ answers with worship; your worth is sealed in Heaven, not measured by likes, titles or golden calves. Testing is not God’s absence but His refining fire; every trial that draws you to pray is heaven’s classroom shaping durable discipleship. Stay filled with the Spirit today, for the enemy waits patiently; armor put on before battle turns the devil’s next “opportune time” into another testimony of Christ’s victory.

Scripture References Matthew 28:19–20 Luke 3:21–22 Romans 6:3–4 Ephesians 1:13 Introduction The group launched week 2 of an eight-week discipleship series that parallels Sunday sermons at Lake Pointe. Tonight’s focus: baptism—Is it something we do for God, or something God does for us? Key Points Two emphases of baptism From God: unmerited grace; gift of the Holy Spirit; empowerment that precedes performance. For God: public confession, obedience, declaration of allegiance, identification with Christ’s body. “Chain of events” often observed in Scripture Salvation Baptism Receiving/empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Illustrated with cybersecurity “kill-chain” analogy.) Potential drifts “From God” only → receiving without responding = belief without obedience. “For God” only → obedience without promise = fragile, legalistic faith. Identity before commissioning: at Jesus’ baptism the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22) before any public ministry. Theological / Exegetical Points New-Testament writers never separate salvation and baptism; Jesus’ Great Commission lists “baptize” without isolating “get them saved.” Romans 6:3–4 links immersion to burial and resurrection with Christ. Ephesians 1:13 highlights sealing by the Spirit upon belief; discussion noted differing traditions on whether this coincides with baptism. Thief on the cross shows salvation can precede or exclude baptism in extraordinary circumstances, yet normal pattern in Acts ties them together. Old-Testament anointing with oil (kings, priests, prophets) = God’s presence promised; New-Testament baptism in water = God’s presence realized. Luke alone records Jesus praying during baptism; prayer portrayed as the open channel through which the Spirit descends. Interaction & Group Responses Quick poll: most see baptism as both “from” and “for” God. Lively debate on “salvation stands alone” vs. “baptism essential.” Personal testimonies: Tyler—re-baptized as an adult once he understood sin and grace. Jim—recent baptism after grasping personal depravity. Parenting angle: when children ask to be baptized, begin with “Why?” and probe understanding of sin, salvation, and symbolism. Practical questions used when calling candidates (Lake Pointe’s “Text LIFE” follow-up team): “Tell me about your conversion,” “Why baptism now?” Humor: “Is a pickle a cucumber or is a cucumber a pickle?"—illustration of transformation. Practical Applications Examine your own baptism: Was it post-conversion and understood? If not, consider being baptized. When discipling others, ensure they grasp depravity, grace, and the Spirit’s role before scheduling baptism. Remember identity precedes assignment—receive God’s affirmation before rushing into service. Approach baptism as a launchpad for Spirit-empowered obedience, not mere “fire-insurance.” Pray—though not a technical prerequisite, prayer is the primary vehicle for fresh filling and guidance by the Spirit.

Scripture References Luke 1:1–4 Luke 2:21 John 19:30 James 1:5 (alluded to in the “ask for wisdom” discussion) Introduction The group mirrored Sunday’s sermon on John 19:30 (“It is finished”), asking: “If Jesus really finished the work, is my life showing that I believe it?” Big idea: “If Jesus truly finished the work, trusting Him isn’t optional; it is simply what belief looks like.” Key Points Western culture prizes self-reliance; trust in others (and in God) is declining. Many believers agree we do not earn salvation by works, yet live as though we must maintain it by works. Three common postures in the body: Reluctant receivers – cannot ask for help. Willing givers – need to notice and offer help. Over-reliant – need to “pick up your mat and walk.” Striving itself is not wrong; motive and outcome determine whether it honors God. Practical tests for motives: Does it draw me or others nearer to Christ? Can I surrender it if God removes it? Have I brought it into the light with Scripture, prayer, and trusted counsel? Theological / Exegetical Points Luke 1:1–4 – Luke grounds the gospel in careful investigation, eyewitness testimony, and “certainty,” countering doubt and equipping believers to speak confidently. Luke 2:21 – Jesus’ name (“The Lord saves”) shows salvation is 100% God-initiated, defined before Jesus performed any act. John 19:30 – “Tetelestai” (It is finished) carried three everyday meanings: Business – debt paid in full. Judicial – sentence served completely. Military – battle decisively won. Together they proclaim that nothing remains for us to add. Interaction & Group Responses “Things I hate asking help with”: money, work tasks, moving, reading glasses, furniture, personal prayer, finances (“anything and everything”). Several men admitted pride, fear of burdening others, past disappointments, and desire for control keep them from asking help. Statistics cited: trust in U.S. adults dropped from 46% (1970s) to 34% (2020). Personal testimonies: Leader’s family once lived on one teacher salary; in-laws housed them; a friend unexpectedly gave $1000 – vivid picture of God’s provision. Online-dating story: when surrendered to God, He provided a wife quickly. Discernment tools named: Scripture, prayer, Holy Spirit conviction, honest self-examination, input from close brothers (“press-box” view vs. “in-your-face” accountability). Question repeatedly posed: “Where does my life show I’m still acting as though something is unfinished?” Practical Applications Replace “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” with conscious dependence on Jesus’ finished work. Cultivate transparency: regularly invite a trusted circle to ask hard questions. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) and expect Him to give clarity. Hold resources loosely; be ready to give or lose them without losing peace. When facing decisions: a. Pray and search Scripture. b. Check motives (kingdom or self). c. Seek counsel from spiritually mature believers. d. Submit final outcome to God’s sovereignty. Practice both giving and receiving help as normal Christian life, not exceptional charity. Prayer / Intercession Items Several men struggling financially – pray for provision and deeper trust. Growth in vulnerability: courage to ask for prayer for personal needs. Wisdom for upcoming career or life decisions; willingness to let God close or open doors. Freedom from the habit of striving for approval; rest in Christ’s completed work.

Scripture References James 4:14–15 James 5:1–12 Matthew 5:3–12 Job (general allusions) Full Texts of Every Passage Read Aloud James 5:1–6 Look here, you rich people. Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. Listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. You have condemned and killed innocent people who do not resist you. James 4:14–15 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” James 5:7–12 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord to return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath—by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned. Matthew 5:3–12 (Beatitudes) God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Introduction The facilitator has spent the entire week burdened by the word “hubris,” convinced it sits at the root of fear. Tonight’s aim: let James 5:1-6 expose hubris in both material and spiritual “wealth,” then learn patience from 5:7-12. Context: Last week Mark covered James 4; the class is now in the penultimate session of the letter. Key Points Definition of hubris * excessive pride that presumes upon “the next” (next breath, day, or year). James’ target audience appears to be “rich people,” yet, by global standards, nearly every American qualifies; moreover, “rich” also includes spiritually proud. Two kinds of wealth Material: money, possessions, comfort, indulgence. Spiritual: knowledge, religiosity, visible ministry résumé, family heritage, etc. Signs that wealth—of either type—owns the believer Greed, hoarding, indulgence (v 2-5). Religious showiness (“spiritual clothes”); Pharisee-like façade. Failure to act justly or extend mercy; exploiting others equals “murder” (v 6). Parallels with the Beatitudes Where James condemns riches, laughter, power, comfort, abuse, and arrogance, Jesus blesses poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and perseverance. Lesson: the gospel always flips worldly priorities. Eternal perspective Reward is “great in heaven” (Mt 5:12); life now is vapor (Jas 4:14). Anything invested solely in this world is ultimately hubris. Living “in-between” Christ’s ascension and return (Jas 5:7-12) Be patient like a farmer: prepare, plant, watch, weed, rest, rotate fields, and store prudently. Strengthen (literally “prop up”) your heart for the windy day, not the calm one. Keep accounts short—no delayed obedience, forgiveness, or evangelism. Let “yes” be yes; refuse grand oaths that center on self-importance. Theological / Exegetical Points Hubris as the root behind every warning throughout James (quarreling 4:1, judging 4:11-12, presuming on tomorrow 4:13-17, hoarding 5:1-6). “Rich” in 5:1 is both literal and metaphorical: any storehouse that displaces dependence on God. Link to Old-Testament prophetic tone: direct, uncompromising denunciation of economic and spiritual injustice. Patience (makrothymia) is active endurance, not passivity—anchored in certainty of the Parousia (“the coming of the Lord is near,” v 8). Job as paradigm: honest lament plus unwavering allegiance; patience permits grief without abandoning faith. Ending with oaths (v 12): an anti-hubris safeguard—speech stripped of self-secured guarantees. Interaction & Group Responses Class consensus: hubris = “over-confidence, arrogance, uber-pride.” Many initially dismissed the passage as “for rich people,” then admitted global wealth realities and spiritual pride implicated all. Illustrations offered: “Spiritual clothes” = public religiosity that looks good but rots like moth-eaten garments. Control, self-reliance, vengeance, manipulation surfaced as heart-level weeds. “Dos” of patient waiting: worship, service, obedience, confession, accountability. “Don’ts”: self-reliance, envy, worry, unchecked busyness, control. Group named “contentment” as the practical opposite of hubris. Farmer analogies supplied by those with agriculture backgrounds—prepare soil, accept limits, stay watchful, work when windows open. Final discussion on v 12: swearing oaths = claiming power we do not possess; simple honesty re-centers life in God’s sovereignty. Practical Applications Examine both bank account and heart for hoarded treasure; repent of anything held tighter than Christ. Cultivate contentment: fast, tithe, serve, confess, and practice simplicity. Keep accounts short—tell the truth, forgive quickly, share the gospel today. Replace self-reliance with active patience: worship while you wait, work faithfully, rest when God says rest. Speak plainly: let “yes” be yes, “no” be no; refuse to leverage God’s name to prop up personal agendas. Daily decision grid: “Would I do or postpone this if Jesus returned tonight?”

Introduction Leader opened with a real-life “home intruder” story to illustrate how one irreversible decision (pulling a trigger) parallels the permanent impact of spoken words. Group reflected on the gravity of life-and-death choices and transitioned to the greater spiritual issue: how words can destroy or give life. Scripture References James 3:1–13 James 1:19 James 4:7 Galatians 6:1 Proverbs 10:21 Proverbs 12:25 Proverbs 16:24 Proverbs 18:21 Matthew 10:14 Key Points Teachers are judged more strictly (James 3:1) - spiritual stewardship brings weight and accountability. We all stumble with words; mastering the tongue is equated with overall self-control (James 3:2). Three analogies for the tongue (vv. 3-6): Bit in a horse’s mouth - small device, huge influence. Rudder on a ship - tiny part, steers great mass. Spark in a forest - minor origin, catastrophic result. Tongue described as “restless evil,” “full of deadly poison,” “set on fire by hell” (vv. 6-8). Inconsistency exposed: with the same mouth we praise God and curse people made in His image (vv. 9-10). Final images (vv. 11-12): a spring cannot yield both salt and fresh water; fig trees cannot bear olives—our speech reveals the true source within. Theological / Exegetical Points “Judged more strictly” underscores God’s expectation that teachers preserve doctrinal accuracy and model Christ-like character. James echoes Jesus’ teaching that fruit reveals the tree’s nature; speech discloses heart allegiance. Cross-texts reinforce: James 1:19 - be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. Galatians 6:1 - restore others “in a spirit of gentleness,” only as the Spirit leads. Proverbs collections stress life-giving and destructive power of words. Interaction & Group Responses Gun scenario prompted debate on courage, restraint, and irreversible consequences; served as springboard to discuss verbal “bullets.” Several confessed to posting or texting thoughtless words; others shared safeguards: Store draft messages, review later. Let spouse/friend read sensitive texts before sending. Prefer phone or face-to-face over text for delicate matters. Agreement that investing relationally allows loving correction to be received. Contrast discussed between virtuous boldness (truth-telling) and reckless speech. Practical Applications Practice “talk less, listen more” this week; intentionally pause before responding. Run potential posts or texts through a spiritual filter—ask, “Does this praise my Creator or curse His creation?” Use words to build up: send encouraging texts, call isolated members (e.g., birthdays, health crises). When correction is needed, ensure the Holy Spirit’s prompting, speak in love (Gal 6:1), and consider tone/medium. Memorize or revisit key Proverbs on speech to reshape reflexive patterns. Prayer / Intercession Items Collective petition for Holy Spirit control over tongues; desire to reflect Christ in every word.

Introduction The study opened with light conversation on New-Year resolutions, “trying” vs. “doing,” and how mere intention quickly fades. Tonight’s focus: James 2 : 14 - 26, presented as the “apex” of James—everything before it points forward and everything after it looks back. Goal: allow the passage to “penetrate marrow,” producing conviction and action rather than mere agreement. Scripture References Luke 10:25-37 James 2:14-26 Matthew 7:21-23 Romans 3:28 Full Texts (NIV) Luke 10 : 25 - 37 “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus…‘Go and do likewise.’” ...